RESIDENTS needing to travel via train today (Thursday, January 4), are urged to travel as early as possible.

Network Rail has identified several areas in Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall that may be at risk of flooding from 3pm today.

This is due to heavy rainfall forecasted on already flooded ground.

Trains may not be able to operate through these areas.

If you need to make a return journey, do so as soon as possible.

Here are some of the locations at risk:

  • Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads;
  • Newton Abbot and Plymouth;
  • Exeter and Tiverton;
  • Bristol Temple Meads and Weston-super-Mare;
  • Taunton and Westbury.

As it stands, the direct route between Swindon and Bristol Parkway remains closed due to flooding.

Services between London Paddington and Swindon will continue to operate, but may be affected by flooding elsewhere. 

If you have a ticket for a train later on today, you can use this to access an earlier service.